$10K Grant Funded By:

40 Seniors
40 Chef Meals
at home

We're teaching, shopping, and cooking to fight nutrition neglect—one meal, one senior at a time

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Let's end nutrition neglect

Our "40 Seniors / 40 Chef Meals" initiative brings chef-prepared, nutritious meals directly into the homes of seniors. By focusing on fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients tailored to individual dietary needs, the program promotes healthy eating, reduces malnutrition, and supports overall well-being.

Chef Prepared Meals

This at-home initiative not only addresses nutrition gaps but also fosters personal connections between chefs and seniors, making every meal an opportunity to prioritize health and comfort.

In partnership with medical professionals and culinary experts, we tailor each meal to enhance the nutritional profile essential for seniors. Our program not only addresses the need for increased protein but also caters to dietary restrictions and preferences, ensuring a balanced approach to healthy aging.

How it works

  • Registration: Seniors are selected from the Aging & Disability Resource Center roster, prioritizing those in need of nutritional support.
  • Meal Planning: Chefs consult with each senior to design meals that suit their health requirements and preferences.
  • Grocery Shopping: Seniors can choose to shop themselves or have the chef handle the shopping, with reimbursement for groceries.
  • In-Home Cooking: Chefs visit seniors' homes weekly to prepare meals, ensuring they’re fresh and customized.
  • Weekly Delivery: Each senior receives seven days’ worth of meals each week, cooked and ready to enjoy.
  • Completion: After 40 days, seniors receive guidance to maintain their improved nutrition through easy meal plans.

For those interested in joining our "40 Seniors / 40 Chef Meals" initiative, here’s what you need to participate:

  • Cooking Space: A clean, functional kitchen area with enough counter space for meal preparation and cooking.
  • Working Appliances: Essential kitchen appliances, including a stove, oven, refrigerator, microwave, and smaller appliances like a blender or air fryer if needed for specific recipes.
  • Grocery Storage: Ample storage space in your refrigerator, freezer, or pantry to store ingredients and prepared meals.
  • Basic Kitchen Tools: Pots, pans, cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls, measuring cups, and utensils to support meal preparation.
  • Access to Fresh Ingredients: You may either purchase groceries ahead of time or arrange for the chef to handle shopping (reimbursement required for grocery costs).
  • Feedback Participation: Willingness to provide input on meals and preferences to ensure the program meets your nutritional needs and taste preferences.
  • Dietary Details: A summary of your dietary requirements, allergies, or health conditions, shared during registration to guide the chef and nutritionist in meal planning.
  • Safe Environment: A safe and accessible home for the chef to work in, with functional utilities such as running water, proper lighting, and ventilation.

Why it's important

Poor nutrition significantly impacts seniors, leading to health complications like muscle loss, weakened immunity, and increased hospitalizations.

Our "40 Seniors / 40 Chef Meals" initiative addresses those challenges by delivering personalized, nutrient-rich meals that promote healing, strength, and vitality. It also helps seniors regain confidence in managing their diet and nutrition independently.

Who really benefits

Whether managing a chronic condition, recovering from an illness, or striving to maintain independence, this initiative ensures every meal supports seniors health, diet and nutritional intake as they age at home.
  • Seniors recovering from surgeries or illnesses who need specialized nutrition for faster healing.
  • Those with limited mobility or physical challenges that make meal preparation difficult.
  • Seniors living alone who struggle to shop, plan, or cook balanced meals consistently.
  • Individuals managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure requiring careful dietary adjustments.
  • Seniors seeking to improve energy levels and overall quality of life through better eating habits.
  • Caregivers looking for trusted meal support to ensure their loved ones receive proper nutrition.

Registration

Our "40 Seniors / 40 Chef Meals" initiative starts November 2024. Registration is open now and will close once we reach full capacity. Sign up today to secure your spot!

40 Seniors
40 Chef Meals
at home
Better Meals, Better Health—Secure Your Spot Today!
Register
40 SENIORS / 40 CHEF MEALS

Funded By

The Community Foundation is a grantmaking public charity that provides leadership and builds endowment to tackle Broward County's big challenges.

Community Foundation of Broward
910 E. Las Olas Boulevard
Suite 200
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

CFBroward.org

$10k Grant

The Seniors HelpDesk is a proud recipient of the Community Foundation of Broward's celebratory 40 for 40: Spread the Love Grants!

To commemorate its 40th anniversary, the Foundation awarded $400,000 to help 40 nonprofits make a BOLD impact and shape a brighter future for Broward.


Visit 40 FOR 40 Grantees

Leads the board, sets meeting agendas, and acts as the primary spokesperson for the board

link.com

Behind the Initiative

HelpDesk Team

Maggie Monroe
Program Manager

Oversees the initiative’s overall direction, ensuring all objectives are met and maintaining alignment with our mission

maggie@seniorshelpdesk.org
Adeola Adebiyi
Project Manager

Handles day-to-day operations, schedules, and resource allocation, ensuring smooth program execution

adeola@seniorshelpdesk.org
Mark Bergman
Culinary Chef

Serves seniors in West Broward, focusing on local availability of fresh ingredients and convenient scheduling

chefmark@seniorshelpdesk.org
Kathleen Brown
Licensed Dietician

Guides meal plans to meet seniors’ dietary needs, ensuring health-focused nutrition and balance

katie@seniorshelpdesk.org
Marleen Wright
Participant Coordinator

Main contact to manage meal plans, schedules, and dietary needs while connecting with groups to reach seniors in need

marleen@seniorshelpdesk.org
Sydney Szot
Social Media Manager

Promotes the program, sharing updates and success stories to encourage participation and community support

sydney@seniorshelpdesk.org
Dale Witmore
Videographer

Captures program highlights, participant stories, and team efforts for promotional and documentary purposes

dale@seniorshelpdesk.org
Edward Castillo
Lead Web Developer

Manages the website's design, functionality, and updates while leading the web development team

hello@edwwward.com

We hire great people

We’re looking for caring volunteers to help bring nutritious meals to seniors in need. Join our team and make a real difference in the lives of seniors by supporting their health, well-being, and independence.

40 FOR 40

Frequently Asked Questions

How are seniors selected for this program

Seniors are randomly selected from the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Broward County roster, prioritizing those most in need of nutritional support.

Can seniors customize their meal plans

Yes, chefs will work with each senior to customize meals based on their dietary preferences, restrictions, and health requirements.

Why is meal preparation done in seniors’ homes

Preparing meals in seniors’ homes ensures freshness, fosters a personal connection, and gives chefs a better understanding of the seniors’ needs and preferences.

What safety precautions are taken during meal preparation

Chefs follow strict hygiene and food safety protocols to ensure a safe and clean cooking environment in each senior’s home.